One of your comments especially caught my eye: "I want to have a job, a job that makes me look good."

I understand. Really, I do. But do you know that there’s something vastly better to seek after than your own attention, fulfillment, and affirmation? 

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From the Archives: Who Do You Work For?

posted by Paula Hendricks on 06/03/10 | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Category: Myself; ; 10 comments

Hey, Chicas! Erin asked me to tackle some of your questions since I’m an “NBM” like you (a “Never Been Married”). Some of you are asking questions like, “Is college okay?” “Is having a job at all okay?”

Ummm . . . Absolutely! But, here’s the catch. Whether we’re processing important documents at our desk or cleaning up after our children and husbands, we need to understand our ultimate purpose.

One of your comments especially caught my eye: "I want to have a job, a job that makes me look good."

I understand. Really, I do. But do you know that there’s something vastly better to seek after than your own attention, fulfillment, and affirmation? Do me a fave and read these verses carefully:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Whatever we do—whether we’re picking up trash on the side of the road; cleaning a toilet; providing relief to a sick patient; or designing clothes—we can do it for God’s glory rather than for our own glory! In fact, that’s exactly why we were created. We may submit to and serve a direct supervisor at work or a husband at home—but ultimately, we’re serving Jesus through our words and actions (Talk about raising the stakes!).

Here are a few questions to help you discover who you’re currently serving and glorifying:

  • Do I work harder when others are around? 
  • Would I do what I do with as much gusto if no one was watching? 
  • Am I disappointed or even bitter when I’m not praised for what I do? 
  • Do I give God credit regularly for the talents and strength He’s given me? Or do I not even think to thank Him when others praise me?

 

Oh, Father, You are only One who is good and worthy of praise. Impress us with this. Help us—whether we’re in a flashy environment, or whether no one sees what we do—to live in a way that’s worthy of the One True God. Let us show others Your beauty through our lives and our work.
Because of Jesus, who gave all for us,

Amen.

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Shelby
    WOW
    on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 10:05 am
    Thnx for the post paula.This is wht i needed 2 here!!
    NHAutumn
    I am an executive...
    on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 12:08 pm
    I am not a young woman anymore. I'm almost 40 (wow). As a young woman (teens and 20's), I wanted to get a great job that made me look good, that made me feel accomplished, that impressed my friends and family. Well, I am working that job. I've been an executive with a successful organization for many years now. Let me tell you, it's not worth it. I would give anything to have a chance to do it all over again - to focus on God's will for my life. I can still start over, and plan to, starting with seeking out God's will in my life. In the meantime, my husband needs me to keep this job, so I will do it, because respecting my husband's decisions is obeying God. Young women, please don't make the same mistake I did and think too much about how to impress friends and family with a fancy job. It will leave a big empty hole in your heart. Seeking and serving God's will has a much greater reward, one I still hope to receive. Maybe I'll have jobs the rest of my life, maybe not - but I'll do what is God's will (and not necessarily my own earthly desire) from now on.
    Tatiana
    Never though about this...
    on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 7:44 pm
    This is something I never think about, i always have known that everything i do is for God and everytime someone complements me, I should give all Glory to God. However I never ever do this. Thanks for the reminder, and reminders everyday of things i always forget that are vital in my christian walk. =)
    monica
    Re:
    on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 12:23 am
    This was such a good reminder. my boss is my brother so I care very much what he thinks about me. It makes me upset when he never notices when I do extra but I should be concentrating on glorifying God.
    Izzy
    Everyone wants one....
    on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 3:58 pm
    The perfect job and life. That's really all girls want. I want that. I'll admit it. I want a life where people praise me for the things I do, and sometimes I don't even stop to praise God.
    Tnx. lov ya<3
    LaSara
    Re:
    on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 5:20 pm
    I can't seem to find a certain post, it was about a girl being alone or something so she started going on dates with God. Could any help me know where to find it?

    Thank you,
    LaSara
    Lexy
    Re:
    on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 8:29 pm
    I think my dilemma is that my family wants me to go to college and get a job that provides a good income, like a doctor, pharmacist, or dentist. Not really for the status, but for the money. I understand that money is a necessity to survive, but in all honesty, I'd much rather be doing something I sincerely enjoy, that God wants me to do!
    Cassie
    So excited!
    on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 11:18 pm
    Really good post! This is my second time on the site, I LOVE IT!!! Me and my friends Preya and Elisia and our moms are doing the book LYWB for a bible study every two weeks. I am SOOOO excited because so far we have only done the first 3 chapters, I can see a change in the way i take on lies SO much!! Thanks for all that you women do, you are helping me to grow closer to God everyday!
    Jaime
    Thanks!
    on Friday, July 2, 2010 at 2:58 pm
    I really needed to hear this :) I've been trying to get better about not procrastinating and being lazy when I'm asked to do things, but sometimes I just don't want to get up or step away from doing something I find more fun. It's my responsibility to do what I'm told, and do it even when no one is watching, because that's what God would want me to do. I can't promise I'll always WANT to do everything I'm asked, but I'm definitlely going to try my hardest to have a better attitude about it. Thanks again <3
    Bethany
    to LaSara
    on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 12:17 am
    I remember that one. It's called 'An Unlikely Friendship' and you will find it in the faith section.

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